The World's Longest Traffic Jam: A 100km, 12-Day Standstill in China
China, asia
100 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: August 2010, China. You're stuck. Really, really stuck. We're talking a legendary, twelve-day-long traffic jam stretching for a mind-boggling 62 miles (100 km) on the China National Highway 110 between Hebei and Inner Mongolia.
Thousands of vehicles were caught in this epic standstill. Imagine turning your car into your home, trying to survive days of hunger and thirst. It gets worse – opportunistic vendors popped up, selling essentials like instant noodles for four times the normal price and water for TEN times the markup!
What caused this mega-jam? Not an accident or disaster, but simply too many vehicles trying to use the same road. Ironically, a major contributor was a convoy of heavy trucks carrying construction supplies to Beijing for… you guessed it, road work intended to ease congestion! Progress was glacial; some drivers only managed to move about 0.6 miles (1 km) per day. Talk about a travel nightmare!
Where is it?
The World's Longest Traffic Jam: A 100km, 12-Day Standstill in China is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 34.5596, 107.3581
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 100 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 34.5596, 107.3581
Related Roads in asia
extremeTaking on the Twists and Turns to Xila Daban
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Xila Daban in western Tibet is calling your name, if you're brave enough. This beast of a mountain pass tops out at a staggering 17,362 feet! Picture this: You're in Zanda County, Ngari Prefecture, China, tackling almost 62 miles of pure, unadulterated, UNPAVED road. Yeah, you read that right - no smooth sailing here! We're talking steep climbs, with gradients hitting 7% in sections. The road is pretty narrow too, so keep your wits about you. Oh, and definitely keep an eye on the weather forecast - things can change in a heartbeat up here. The route runs between Qipu Jilie (near the Indian border) and Menduo. A heads up though, amenities are scarce! Forget electricity, fancy toilets, or readily available medical help. But hey, who needs those when you've got bragging rights for conquering Xila Daban, right? Get ready for epic views and a true off-the-grid experience!
extremeJourney through the Rugged Terrain of Ghazni Province
🌍 Afghanistan
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Kotal-e Shah Mansoor, a high-altitude stunner in Afghanistan's Ghazni Province! At a whopping 3,638m (11,935ft), it's one of the highest roads you'll find in the country. This 43.9 km (27.27 miles) dirt road links Pashi and Sang-e-Masha and is generally passable for most vehicles. Don't let that fool you, though. Prepare for a wild ride full of twists, turns, and some seriously steep climbs that'll get your heart pumping! Think you can handle 15 hairpin turns? And if you're not a fan of heights, maybe focus on the road ahead, because some sections can be a bit intimidating. Heads up: this pass is in eastern Afghanistan, so winter means snow, making this already challenging road even more slippery and treacherous. Always check the conditions before you go. Get ready for an unforgettable drive!
extremeA narrow and rough road to Mount Santo Tomas
🇵🇭 Philippines
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Santo Tomas Road in Benguet, Philippines! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a stratovolcano soaring to 2,224m (that's 7,296ft!) on Luzon Island, practically kissing the clouds in the Cordillera Mountains. Why head up here? Well, aside from the insane views, the summit is crammed with communications towers – think super-powered radio stations. The road? It’s called Santo Tomas Road and is fully paved with concrete sections, but hold onto your hats! This climb is seriously narrow, seriously steep, and seriously thrilling. Picture this: you're hugging the mountainside on a rough, skinny road. To your left? A cliff that drops into oblivion. Yep, it’s that kind of drive. The nitty-gritty: From 208 Road, south of Baguio, you've got 11.9 km (7.39 miles) of pure uphill madness. You'll gain 749 meters in elevation, averaging a 6.29% gradient, but don't let that fool you—some spots crank up to a heart-pounding 20%! Even looking at pictures will make your palms sweat, and the views? Totally worth the adrenaline rush. Just remember those barriers weren’t always there!
moderateTravelling through the unfinished Old Provincial Highway 14
🇹🇼 Taiwan
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the east coast of Taiwan, in Hualien County, and stumble upon a hidden gem – the Old Provincial Highway 14. Locals call it the "Unfinished Cross Highway" or even "Little Taroko," and trust me, the nicknames fit. This paved beauty hugs the Mugu River, winding and narrow. Word of warning: it's officially closed to the public, with access strictly for residents and power plant workers (guarded by the police!), so consider this more of an aspirational drive. The backstory? It was meant to be a cross-island route, but the project was abandoned in 2009. What's left is a seriously gorgeous stretch within Taroko National Park. Think dramatic tunnels and galleries carved into the landscape. The views alone are worth the (hypothetical) trip!